Name: Super Tasty Creamy Lemon Aioli
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon Garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Black pepper; ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

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Serve creamy lemon aioli as a versatile dipping sauce for artichokes and other favorite foods. This tangy, mayo-based sauce comes together in just 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients!

Of course, we love to pair this aioli dipping sauce with Stuffed Artichokes but keep reading for more ideas!

Lemon aioli combines the rich creaminess of mayonnaise with the bright, vibrant flavor of lemon. It’s one of those sauces I add to everything because it enhances whatever you pair it with.

Use it as a dip for veggies and even the picky eaters will finish their plates. It’s salty, sweet, spicy, and SO simple to make!

artichoke dipping sauce with stuffed artichokes in the background

Why you will love Lemon Aioli:

Quick & Easy! While traditional aioli recipes require emulsifying olive oil and eggs, we use mayo for a quicker process. No blender is required!

Versatile! Use this as a dipping sauce for artichokes, fries, and more! This condiment is also great as a sandwich spread.

Flavorful! The combination of fresh lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and a hint of garlic creates a deliciously tangy and slightly spicy sauce.

What is aioli?

Aioli is an emulsified sauce that typically includes garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks. It may also include either lemon juice or vinegar.

In this lemon garlic aioli recipe, we simplify the process by combining the ingredients with mayonnaise as the base.

a hand inserting artichoke in lemon aioli sauce

Ingredients for Artichoke Dipping Sauce Recipe

To make this lemon aioli recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality mayo since it’s the base of your sauce.
Fresh lemon juice: This adds bright acidity to the sauce.
Cajun seasoning: This smoky, savory seasoning blend typically includes salt.
Garlic powder: This infuses the sauce with a mellow, garlicky flavor. Use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Black pepper: This adds a subtle heat.
Cayenne pepper: Although this is an optional spice, it adds a nice kick of heat if you like a spicy aioli.

How to Make Lemon Aioli

In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick.

Mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until well blended. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

close up view of a saucer of lemon aioli

Serve the aioli as a dipping sauce with your favorite meal.

How to Use Lemon Aioli

Seafood: Pair this sauce with fried seafood for a delicious combination of flavors. It’s especially great with fried shrimp, calamari, and fish fillets, adding a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the seafood.
Sandwiches, Burritos & Bowls: Use lemon aioli as a spread for sandwiches and burritos or a topping for rice bowls.
Veggies: Try this sauce with Cajun Fried Corn on the Cob, Oven Roasted Broccoli, Carrot Fries, and this Stuffed Artichoke recipe. All of these vegetable dishes would pair great with the lemon aioli for a spicy and tangy flavor combination.
Potatoes: Roasted Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are seasoned with ranch mix and topped with melted cheese. The aioli can provide a bright contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors. It’s also great for fries.

artichoke dipping sauce beside a stuffed artichoke

Tips and Variations for Lemon Aioli

Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste. If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, start with less juice and add more as needed.
Thoroughly mix all ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Use a whisk for the best results.
If time allows, let the artichoke dipping sauce chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious sauce.
Store leftover artichoke dipping sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Artichoke dipping sauce is typically made from a base of mayonnaise mixed with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs or spices. This combination creates a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the mild flavor of artichokes.

Yes, aioli is essentially a flavored mayonnaise. While traditional mayonnaise is made from egg yolks, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, aioli specifically includes garlic, giving it a distinct garlicky flavor that differentiates it from plain mayo.

You can substitute lemon juice for vinegar. Both add acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce. It also thins it out for a smoother consistency.

If your aioli separates, you can try whisking it vigorously to bring it back together. If that doesn’t work, you can start a new batch with a small amount of mayonnaise and slowly whisk in the separated mixture.

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